Wooden Heru (comb) with Deer Antler Strip - by Shayne O'Neill whakairo bowenite or serpentine found only

bowenite or serpentine found only in southern New Zealand

Depth: 11cm

53cm x 24cm x 2cm

The mask can be related to an important ancestor of the house or be symbolic of a story relating to the origins of the carving

The distinctive sound of its wing beats in flight also draws attention

Wooden Heru (comb) with Deer Antler Strip - by Shayne O'Neill whakairo bowenite or serpentine found onlyHeru (comb) by Shayne O'Neill Wood with deer antler inlay About the Heru: Heru were traditionally produced in varying shapes and sizes and were made from wood, and in some instances bone. These combs were highly valued as a personal heirloom and were handed down from one generation to the next. The combs were mostly decorative and held the ptikitiki (top knot) in place. When a comb was broken, it was placed in a swamp or a sacred place for safe